Where To Play Two-Up Around Australia This ANZAC Day
As much as we honour the Aussie tradition of mateship each ANZAC day, there’s one other ANZAC Day tradition Aussies love just as much – Two-up. In most parts of the country, the game is only legal on one day of the year, so crowds excitedly head out in droves to commemorate the day with some good ol’ fashioned banter. If you’re unsure of where to play in your city, fear not – we’ve got you covered.
Sydney
The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks
This historic pub has long been an Anzac day favourite, and this year is sure to be another stellar celebration. It all kicks off bright and early at 8am, while the two-up kicks off at midday. Make sure to keep an eye out for the Scots Marching Band, who’ll be journeying up Cumberland St later on the day. Learn more here.
The Royal Hotel, Paddington
Where: 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington
Kicking off at 9:30 am, the renowned Royal is gearing up to host east Sydney’s biggest two-up tournament. For the first time, the games will spread out beyond the bar, all the way down Broughton St, where outdoor bars, fresh food and Aussie music are set to make it an ANZAC Day to remember. Learn more here.
Melbourne
The Palace Hotel, South Melbourne
Where: 505 City Road, South Melbourne
Open from 10am until 10pm with Two-up kicking off from midday, South Melbourne’s beloved Palace Hotel is also dishing up a spit roast, barbecue in the beer garden, and more, including a whopping six screens to catch Collingwood vs Essendon live. Learn more here.
Prahran RSL, Prahran
Where: 301 High St, Prahran
In Melbourne, Two-up is illegal throughout the year – except for Anzac Day. Prahran RSL is one of the oldest RSLs in Australia, and one of the best, most bustling spots to spend your ANZAC Day. Roll in from 10am for cheap eats, cold beer, and all the two-up you could ever want. Learn more here.
Brisbane
The Shafston Hotel – Brisbane
Where: 3 Lytton Road, East Brisbane
The Shafston’s annual Tinnies & 2-Up is back for its third raucous year, with food trucks, three outdoor bars with cocktails, tinnies and more, as well as live music from local Brisbane bands. What’s more, the Shafston is supporting Mates4Mates, a charity supporting the wounded, injured and ill in the Australian Defence Force. More info here.
Perth
Crown Casino, Perth
Where: Great Eastern Highway, Burswood
You’ll have to head to the casino for Two-up in Perth, and though it’ll be open from midday, you’ve got until 4am to play to your heart’s content. The casino does actually host Two-up games all year round, but ANZAC Day proceeds are given to the RSL WA. More info here.
Canberra
Old Canberra Inn
Where: 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham
If you’re in Canberra this ANZAC Day, head to the Old Canberra Inn from midday until 8pm, where you’ll be able to play Two-up in the beer garden from midday, with live music kicking off from 3pm. Throughout the day you’ll also be able to donate to Soldier On Australia. More info here.
The Tradies
Where: 2 Badham St, Dickson
The Tradies’ annual ANZAC Day celebration starts bright and early, offering free public transport from the dawn service at 4:30am. From 6:30am there’ll be food and drinks all day, with Two-up from midday until 6pm in The Marquee, alongside live music, footy, a barbecue and more. More info here.
Adelaide
Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL
Where: 10 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore
In Adelaide, it’s illegal to play Two-up anywhere other than RSLs, and the Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL is the place to be. Starting with a dawn service at 5:50 am, there’ll be a “gunfire breakfast”, a sausage sizzle, live music, drinks and Two-up all day long. More info here.
(Lead image: The Glenmore Hotel/Facebook)
Wherever you choose to celebrate, Qantas has you covered. Check out flights around Australia here.
